“No one knows for sure. It hasn’t been measured recently. We don’t have that kind of manpower,” said Benson. Marks waved away Benson’s answer.
“Never mind. Are you certain the wards are back in place? I don’t want those three following us in.”
“Yes, sir, the wards are back in place due to the breach. In case of a breach only an Overseer or higher can open the Archives. The wards come on automatically after the door closes,” said Benson.
“Can anyone else open the Archives?” said Marks.
He wanted to make sure they were trapped. The only way out was through the tunnel that led to the park. That’s not an option I would choose.
“That can only happen if they have the clearance equal to yours or higher. Only Miss. Wright has that kind of clearance, or someone from Regional.”
“Good, that means they won’t be going anywhere soon. Let’s go to the Antiquities section-- I want to get the information I need and deal with the intruders as soon as possible,” said Marks.
Benson led him through several sections. After a few minutes they all looked the same to Marks.
“How do you know where you’re going? This place is like a maze. Every aisle looks the same,” said Marks.
“When you get a position in the Archives, part of the training is learning the layout. Wouldn’t make sense to have agents getting lost in a place this big,” said Benson.
“You’re trained not to get lost? How is this training done?”
“There are markers and small indicators on the floor at the end of each of the aisles.”
Now that Benson pointed them out Marks could see the small plaques embedded into the floor at the end of each aisle. Marks crouched and looked closer. He brushed off a layer of dust and saw that it contained symbols and arrows.
“You can decipher this?” said Marks.
“We learn to read them. They let you know where you are in the Archives and how far from the next hub. Hubs are communication centers. In every hub there are a small number of agents. Hubs are also where you will find Archivists,” said Benson.
“I see, so how far to the Antiquities section?” said Marks. Benson stood at the corner and read the small bronze plaque.
“It says there is a Hub fifty aisles over that way. We can ask there. I’ve never been to the Antiquities section but the Archivists there can point us in the right direction.” They began walking towards the Hub.
**********
“How are the wards back up? I thought they were on a timer?” said Cade.
“They are, now shut up and let me think,” said Gan.
Cade moved off to one side muttering about suicide missions and how dying in a tomb was not his idea of fun.
“Sepia, when you first entered this area was it empty? I want you to think hard now,” said Gan.
“I don’t remember anyone. I came in kind of hard and then focused on the Nightmare.
“Replay the moment. Take a deep breath, hold it, and go over the events in your mind,” said Gan.
“Gan, this isn’t the time for…” began Cade. Gan held up his hand and shook his head.
“This is important. We need to know. If there was someone in here I have to do something that will bring the force of Home down on us. I’d rather not do that if I can help it.”
“What do you mean the force of Home? The whole point of this exercise was to get in undetected. Not alert every agent in the building.”
“Well, it’s a little late for that. That Nightmare put a wrench in that plan when it destroyed the wall.”
Cade threw up his hands, exasperated. “So if there was someone in here what will you have to do?”
“It will mean bypassing wards and using a clearance I didn’t want to use, at least not yet,” said Gan. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Sepia sat in lotus position, calmed her breath and closed her eyes. Replaying the moment in her mind she felt the initial blast of air the Nightmare used to destroy the wall and send her flying through it. She saw herself tumble into the waiting area and over near the Archives door was someone, hiding.
“Shit, there was someone,” she said as she opened her eyes and stood. She walked over to the place Marks and Benson used while she was fighting the Nightmare.
“Someone was crouched down here. I only remember one person but it could have been more,” she said.
Gan turned and faced the Archives door. Careful to avoid the wards he began examining the wall beside the door.
“What are we looking for?” said Cade.
“There is a panel alongside here somewhere. I need to find that it.”
**********
Benson made a right turn fifty aisles later and led them into a large open area. Several counters were covered in computers. The Hub was deserted.
“That’s strange. Usually the hubs are manned at all hours. It could be they have cut back,” said Benson.
“Can we use one of the terminals?” said Marks.
“Sure, I still have my clearance. I can get us the information we need,” said Benson.
He pulled up a stool and began typing at one of the terminals.
“Here we go. The Antiquities section is four aisles over and three aisles down,” said Benson.
Marks looked over in the direction Benson indicated and could see nothing that would point to the Antiquities section.
“Are you certain? It doesn’t look much different over there,” said Marks.
“Yes, sir, they wouldn’t move a section like Antiquities. Besides, most of it is under us in another level. The entrance is what this is pointing to.”
“Under us,” said Marks.
Benson turned the computer screen so Marks could see the map of the Archives with a grid overlaid on it. A large red arrow pointed to the location Benson had requested.
Marks saw the grid and realized that the level beneath was as extensive as the one he was currently on.
“How many levels are there?” Marks asked. His voice was a whisper as he thought of the implications of several levels.
“As far as I know there are only two levels. Some of the Archive rats --that’s what we were called when I worked down here --think there is another level beneath the Antiquities, but no one has found it.”
“Let’s go, we don’t have all night,” said Marks. Besides the information on collapsing the wards, he needed to find information on something else that would have to wait until he could disable the cameras and come down here alone.
Benson let Marks go ahead and stood back a few feet when they found the stairway to the Antiquities Section. Marks grabbed the door handle. After a few moments the door released and stale air greeted them.
“No security panel?” Marks wondered aloud. He looked for a place to press to open the door.
Benson pointed up to a small orb above the doorway.
“That’s a biometric reader. It does face, iris, and retinal recognition. When you hold the handle it reads your DNA,” said Benson.
“So, if I didn’t have clearance?” said Marks.
“You would be a pile of ash, sir,” said Benson.
It is a test of sorts. He wants to see if I have been telling the truth. Benson is more complex than I gave him credit for.
“Don’t worry sir, you passed. I mean, the door recognized you. Let’s go get that information. Then I can show you the other exit,” said Benson.
“Do you know where the information on the wards is?” said Marks.
“I’ve never been in this area, but according to the terminal it should be right over…here.”
Benson led them to an area of shelves covered in books. One book in particular stood out. The book was plain and had no title. It was about the size of a paperback and thin. On its cover were a series of designs that looked like the wards used in the park and in the Archives themselves. The other distinguishing feature was the absence of dust.
“That’s odd. This book has been sitting here probably as lo
ng as the rest of these and yet, look-- no dust,” said Benson as he made to grab the book. Marks grabbed his hand before he was able to touch the book.
“Why not take a precaution first? If it’s a book on wards it stands to reason that the book itself may be protected,” said Marks.
Marks removed a pen from his pocket and placed it near the book. Nothing happened. When he moved the pen to touch the book, the pen disintegrated in his hands.
“Well, that complicates things,” said Marks. “Benson, go back to the hub and see if we need some kind of device or item to handle this book.”
“Sounds like a good idea, sir. I’ll be right back.”
Marks looked around at the other books on the shelf. Nothing stood out as relevant. It can be anything, thought Marks. Benson came back moments later with what appeared to be a large towel. The cloth was covered in designs that mirrored the ones on the book.
“It says to drape the covering on the book, but be careful not to let the book touch anything except for the covering,” said Benson. He handed the cloth to Marks. Marks looked at the cloth closely and saw nothing out of the ordinary, except when he shook it. The air around the cloth shimmered as if disturbed by heat. He placed the cloth on the book, covering it. He pulled out another pen from his jacket and touched the book. Nothing happened.
“It seems safe to take now. Let’s go to the other exit. We still have intruders to deal with,” said Marks.
“Sir, maybe we shouldn’t take it out of here? I mean, it seems like a dangerous book. Is it possible you can just find the part you need and leave it here?” said Benson.
He has a point. An object this volatile is only inviting disaster.
“Take the book. I will need to read it thoroughly to find out how to protect the wards,” said Marks.
Benson hesitated and then grabbed the book from the shelf. He paused a moment to see if anything would happen. When nothing occurred he breathed a sigh of relief. Benson tested the pages tentatively and opened the book.
“It seems safe now, sir. Do you want to take a look?” said Benson.
Unable to resist, Marks took the book. He thumbed through the first few pages until he saw a symbol he recognized. It was one of the major wards surrounding the park. He began to read a little more until he found the part about wards. The title was clear enough.
On the Protection or Destruction of Wardes.
Within the confines of the park I have commissioned to be constructed three stone towers (obelisks) which I have placed as amplifiers of the wardes surrounding the park grounds. Upon each sunrise the wardes are recharged and the energy is then distributed throughout the perimeter of the park. This maintains the integrity of the park containment.
Each tower is capable of maintaining the integrity on its own, thus a system of redundancy is created in the case of any breach, or the failing of the main wards. One tower must always remain standing.
These towers are crucial to the maintaining of the wardes, facilitating the continual use of solar energy into the wardes. If all three should fall the second failsafe must be instituted. On the matter of a breach, each of the towers must be recalibrated to the frequency of the perimeter. Failure to do so over a prolonged period of time will result in a catastrophic failure of the wardes guarding the park. Recalibration requires that the warde stones (as they have become known) be physically manipulated. This is a high risk proposition due to the denizens of the park. It is recommended that any such endeavor be undertaken in the light of the morning sun.-Calvert Vaux
“Benson, have you ever heard of anything called a ward stone?” said Marks. He began to wrap the book again as a tingling sensation crept through his hands. It seemed that the cloth only disabled the protective wards for a short period of time.
“No, sir, are they important?” said Benson.
“I would think so. Do we have a detailed map of the park?”
“Yes, sir, upstairs we have several maps of the park. Some of them are detailed,” said Benson.
“Good. I need to see those maps and locate these stones --they are the key to keeping this city safe,” said Marks. “Lead the way, Benson.”
**********
Gan found the panel he was looking for. He placed his hand on it and waited. The wards around the door disappeared and the door opened.
“How did you do that? I thought only an Overseer could drop those wards?” said Sepia.
“Or someone of an equal or higher clearance,” said Gan.
“I thought you were retired, old man,” said Cade.
“I am retired from active duty in the Order. I am still a ranking officer in the Grey. That gives me certain access,” said Gan. “It also means that my presence here has been logged, which is never good for a Grey agent.”
“I can see that being bad. Do you know where we are going?” said Sepia.
She checked her guns and holstered them. “This place sets my teeth on edge. Let’s do this and get the hell out.”
“We need to go to the Antiquities section if we need to find out about the wards. It should be over that way,” said Gan.
Sepia and Cade looked around as they entered the Archives proper.
“I think I had that same look on my face when I first came down here,” said Gan.
“How big is this place and how has it remained hidden?” said Sepia.
“It’s huge. No one has given an accurate size of the place in the last ten years. It would probably take too long,” said Gan.
Sepia and Cade stood transfixed.
“Okay, close your mouths and let’s go. We need to get to the Antiquities section if we are going to learn about wards and how to keep them from failing,” said Gan.
Gan led the way at a brisk walk. As they turned the corner leading to the Antiquities, they saw two figures.
“What the hell?” said Gan. He peered down the aisle and rocked back as the first shot caught him in the shoulder.
“Gun! Down, Cade!” exclaimed Sepia. The next few bullets missed Gan by inches.
“Pull him back, Blue. I have a bead on them,” said Cade.
“Cade, shoot to wound--I need to know why they are down here,” said Gan.
Cade stilled his breathing and looked at his targets.
“One is carrying a book. Hey, that looks like the guy that chased us in Queens,” said Cade.
“Marks yes, that’s him. It’s the book we need, Cade. See if you can convince him to let it go,” said Gan.
The words had barely left Gan’s lips before Cade shot twice. One bullet grazed Marks in the hand, causing him to drop the book and run towards the exit Benson had shown him. The other shot caught Benson in the leg. Benson crashed to the ground grunting in pain.
Sepia ran over to where Benson lay and shoved him away from the book with her foot.
“Don’t touch that book!” said Benson.
Sepia narrowed her eyes and pointed her sword at him.
“You or your boss just shot someone I care about a great deal. Give me a reason not to cause you a world of pain,” she said.
“It wasn’t me. It was Marks. I don’t even carry-- you can check,” said Benson.
Benson looked around nervously, making sure that Marks wasn’t within earshot.
“Gan, is that you, sir?” he whispered.
Sepia turned to face Gan. “Do you know this guy?”
Gan nodded as he stood up. Cade dressed his wound and stopped the bleeding.
“Yes, I know him. Cade, take care of his leg,” said Gan.
Cade hunched over Benson with his pack and placed some bandages on his leg. The bullet went right through the leg missing any major arteries.
“It’s a good thing it was me who shot you -- someone else would have been sloppy and we would be trying to save your life now instead of dressing a wound.”
Benson looked at Cade incredulously. “Is that encouragement?”
The leg dressed, Cade nodded, proud of his handiwork, and smiled. Then his face grew s
erious. He looked at Benson, his stare hard.
“I think you have some questions to answer,” said Cade.
Sepia drew closer to the book that was now uncovered. She prodded it with her blade and managed to close it.
“What is this book and what were you doing with it?” said Sepia.
“That is a book on wards. It is one of many. That one is a journal and master text of ward creation and destruction,” said Benson.
“And we just have this book lying around where anyone can access it?” said Sepia as she turned to Gan.
“It’s not quite that simple. To get to this book requires Overseer clearance. Which means Marks is the new Overseer. Does he suspect you, Benson?” said Gan.
“I think he suspects everyone. If I hadn’t told him about the cameras in the Archives I think he would have killed me down here,” said Benson.
“What cameras? The Order never had cameras installed down here --too much interference to get a good video feed,” said Gan.
“I know,” said Benson
Gan smiled at him. “What is he planning? Do you know?”
“I know it has to do something to do with the wards. He kept saying they were the key to keeping the city safe. The last thing he asked about before you got here were something called the ward stones,” said Benson.
“Ward stones? Does this book discuss those stones?” said Gan.
“Looks like it. First thing he asked about after he closed it –oh, that and detailed maps of the park,” said Benson.
“How much time do we have?” said Sepia. She had wrapped the book with the cloth and now held it in her hands. “And we are taking this.” She placed the book in her jacket pocket.
“I showed him where the auxiliary elevator is. He can get it running even with a breach in place. You have about an hour. When that elevator gets here it will be full of agents.”
“This means we need to leave the way we came. Are you serious?” said Cade. “We are so fucked.”
Gan turned to Benson.
“Against my better judgment, I’m going to leave you inserted. Do not underestimate him. He’s intelligent and ruthless. He won’t hesitate to end you if it serves his purpose,” said Gan.
Rise of the Night (Sepia Blue Book 1) Page 14
